Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. Common joints affected are the knees, hips, back, hands, toes and fingers. It is caused by wear and tear on the joints and leads to a gradual loss of joint cartilage, which worsens over time and leads to difficulty with movement.

There is no cure but treatments such as medication, exercise, and joint replacement surgery can help in dealing with pain and improving quality of life.

When cartilage breaks down, the bone surface becomes rough leading to pain and discomfort. The cushioning is gone and bones rub against each other, which causes pain.

Some causes of joint damage are dislocated joints, ligament injuries, and torn cartilage. Other causes of OA could be obesity, and joint malformation. Risk factors such as gender and family history factor in as well.

Over the last several years, there have been several new investigative products that have been successful in regenerating cartilage in the joint. preventing deformities and even preventing patients from needing knee or hip replacement.

These medications (both prescribed and over the counter such as NSAIDS) coupled with dietary changes, exercise, and light stretching have been shown to improve mobility and function of the affected joints.